Depoe Bay - Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay shoreline and southerly main street P1884.jpeg

Depoe Bay is a town on the Central Oregon Coast, famous as the smallest navigable harbor in the world, and as the "whale watching capital of the world." Lots of research going on, mostly connected to Oregon State University's oceanography department.

Get in

Depoe Bay is relatively easy to get to. If you are coming from the south on Hwy 101, continue past Newport for 27 miles. For travellers starting in Corvallis, for instance, head west on Hwy 34 and continue to Newport; turn north onto Hwy 101, again for 27 miles. Hwy 101 is renowned as the major Oregon/California coast highway.

Get around

Drive (slowly) if you must, but the best way to see everything is to walk. Plenty parking. There's a pedestrian underpass to cross Hwy 101 at the bridge- this can be easier than trying to cross 101 between shops and the seawall /Whale Watching center on busy weekends.

See

Whale watching is a very popular thing these days with about 95 percent of Oregonians/world travellers watching whales from this town. Depoe Bay really is preferred by the grey whales for showing themselves (and showing off) more than anywhere else. For extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean in general, there are several other lookout points in town as well. Many miles of accessible beach at Depoe Bay; check the weather for suitable activities.

  • 1 Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint (Hwy.101, 1 mile North of Depoe Bay), ☏ 541-265-4560. See the rugged bay from the parking/ picnic area on the rocky cliffs. The bay is named for a 1910 shipwreck, and the ships boiler can be seen at extreme low tide. This is a good place to watch for resident grey whales year round, as well as ocean-going birds. Free. Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint (Q891023) on Wikidata Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2017)
  • 2 Whale Watching Center, ☏ 1 541-765-3304, ✉. Free. Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center (Q5260679) on Wikidata Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2017)
  • 3 Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, ☏ 1 541-265-4560. A cliff-rimmed beach where a creek flows into the ocean. Good place to tide pool or bird watch.There`s also both wind-sheltered and covered picnic structures. Inland, wooden footbridges lead you through the Sitka spruce, western hemlock, shore pine and alder forest. Free. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area (Q5464069) on Wikidata Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2017)
  • 4 Justin Sparks Wildlife Art (The Sparks Gallery), 46 N US 101, ☏ 1 541-891-3335. 10AM-5PM. Watercolor paintings of wild animals. Before becoming an artist, Justin Sparks worked with animals at zoos and sanctuaries. (updated Jan 2017)
  • 5 Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, ☏ 1 541-265-4560. Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint (Q7355759) on Wikidata Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2017)

Do

Head to the beach, after checking the wave/weather situation. The Chamber of Commerce has the latest information on whom to contact, businesses, phone numbers, etc. (Located: 70 N. Hwy 101; phone: 1 541-765-2889)(as of 07-03-09). Watch the waves crash into the rocks from lookout points, most on Hwy 101.

  • Ride Whale Research EcoExcursions, ☏ 1 541-912-6734. Zodiac (rigid-hull inflatable boats) tours. Run by Carrie Newell (Gray whale expert who has worked with the Cousteau family)., previous day or earlyAM if weather questionable, for schedules and dock number. Trips available throughout the day during the season (through mid-October.) 

Fishing

Bay entry is at north end of the bridge for all ocean-going.

Buy

Shopping area in downtown Depoe Bay, on the east side of Hwy 101

There are numerous stores in Depoe Bay, especially lining Hwy 101. Retailers offer country decor, surfing items, coffee drinks, restaurant/cafe specialities, etc.; other small private venues showcase the local craftspersons, with many unique items available.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Camping

Vacation rentals

Cope

Public restrooms are located at the Whale Watching Center, on the east side of Hwy 101 at Bay St. just north of the bridge, and at City Park on the south end of the harbor.

Go next

Routes through Depoe Bay
Tillamook ← Lincoln City ← N US 101.svg S → Newport → Florence
This city travel guide to Depoe Bay is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page .